Modify Meaning
Modify Definition & Usage
To change something slightly, especially to improve or make it more suitable.
Examples
- "I had to modify the design of the website to make it more user-friendly."
- "She decided to modify her diet after the doctor advised her to cut back on sugar."
- "The contract was modified to reflect the updated terms of the agreement."
- "He modified the script to include more humor and appeal to a younger audience."
- "They decided to modify their vacation plans due to the unexpected weather forecast."
To alter the characteristics of a substance or process, often for specific purposes.
Examples
- "The researchers are modifying the DNA of the bacteria to improve their resistance to the virus."
- "The engineers modified the software to increase the system's processing speed."
- "They modified the experiment's conditions to test a different hypothesis."
- "The new technology allows us to modify the chemical structure of the materials with precision."
- "By modifying the temperature, the scientists were able to alter the reaction rate."
To adjust or adapt one’s behavior or attitude.
Examples
- "He had to modify his approach to leadership when the team faced a new challenge."
- "She modified her tone when speaking to the customers to sound more professional."
- "It's important to modify your expectations if the situation changes unexpectedly."
- "They had to modify their behavior to fit into the new corporate culture."
- "Over time, he modified his habits to become healthier and more disciplined."
Cultural Context
The word 'modify' has roots in Latin and has been used in the English language since the late Middle Ages. Its use spans various fields, from everyday language to technical jargon. The concept of modifying something is often associated with improvement, adjustment, or customization.
The Scientist’s Dilemma
Story
The Scientist’s Dilemma
Dr. Lila Matthews stood in front of her lab bench, staring at the petri dish that contained the bacteria she had been working on for months. She had just completed an experiment to modify the bacteria’s DNA, hoping to make them resistant to a new strain of virus that had been wreaking havoc in the city. But as she peered through the microscope, she noticed something that troubled her: the bacteria weren’t behaving as expected. Frustrated but determined, Lila knew that she had to modify her approach. She couldn’t afford to let this failure stop her. She adjusted the temperature and added a different chemical to the mixture. Slowly, she began to see the bacteria change. They started to adapt to the new environment. But this wasn’t enough. Later that evening, as she sat in her office, Lila reflected on her work. She realized that not only did she need to modify the experiment’s parameters, but she also had to modify her mindset. She had been too rigid in her thinking. Science was about adaptability, about finding new solutions when the old ones didn’t work. It was then that she decided to modify her expectations for the outcome. Success would come in small, incremental steps. The next day, when she presented her findings to her colleagues, she shared not only her scientific modifications but also the changes she had made to her approach. 'It’s not just about modifying the bacteria,' she explained. 'It’s about modifying ourselves to overcome the challenges that come our way.' As she left the lab that day, Lila smiled. She hadn’t just modified the bacteria. She had modified her understanding of science, and more importantly, her understanding of perseverance and innovation.
